Holiday park moves step closer

Published:07:00Friday 26 February 2016

Share this article

Plans for a luxury lodge and caravan park in the town have taken a major step forward this week.

Scottish Borders Council has received a written agreement from the developers, Colania Lodges Ltd, of Coldingham, who are now set to table a planning application and formalise the lease for the site beyond the sound end of Wilton Lodge Park.

Local councillor Watson McAteer says it is a “much-needed project for Hawick”, while his fellow Hawick and Denholm member, Stuart Marshall, says it will “bring many visitors to the town”.

An SBC spokesperson confirmed an agreement had been reached and added: “We believe the developer’s plans – which include luxury timber lodges as well as offering pitches for touring caravans and camping – will provide a year-round attraction which will encourage visitors to Hawick.”

Councillor McAteer said: “I’m aware that the developers of a lodge and caravan site at Wilton Lodge park have completed a further step towards bringing this much-needed project for Hawick to life. With planning consents and formal leasing arrangements still to be completed there is clearly still a long way to go.

“While local residents will require to be reassured the prospect of a new exciting business for the town, particularly at this difficult time, will be enthusiastically received.”

Councillor Marshall said although it was very early days there was every reason to be optimistic that the caravan site, when completed, will bring many visitors to Hawick, while offering much-needed accommodation that will make Hawick a destination and overnight town.

He added: “Councillor McAteer and I have spoken to the developers and they appear very enthusiastic and committed to this project.

“They have also assured us that if they are successful in their full application they will actively engage with local residents and the community to address any concerns.”